Owning and Riding
Your Bicycle in Iowa City

It is the policy of the City of Iowa City to encourage
bicycling as a legitimate means of transportation to and
from school or work, and as a recreational activity. To
do this, the City has attempted to create and maintain
a safe environment for bicycling in Iowa City.

OBSERVATION OF TRAFFIC RULES

When you are riding your bicycle on the roadway you are
subject to the same traffic rules as apply to motorists.
This includes rules pertaining to stop signs, traffic lights,
exceeding the speed limit, one-way streets, and changing lanes.
If you are charged with a traffic violation, you are subject to
the same fines and penalties as a motorist.

RIDING ON BIKEWAYS

In certain areas of Iowa City bikeways are provided to make
bicycling easier and safer. These may be in the form of BIKE
LANES, a painted lane for bicycles on the street, or
multi-user trails, separate facilities for bicyclists
and other users that are not part of the roadway. In a
bike lane you must ride in the same direction as adjacent
motor vehicle traffic. On a trail you should stay to the
right except when passing, and you should give an audible
warning when passing, such as "bike on your left".

RIDING ON SIDEWALKS

Sidewalks are designed primarily for pedestrians. It
is unlawful for bicyclists to ride upon the downtown
pedestrian mall, known as City Plaza, or upon the
sidewalk in the commercial district within the city
which includes the downtown central business district.
Outside of commercial districts, bicyclists are permitted
upon sidewalks but must yield the right-of-way to any
pedestrian.

RIDING ON ROADWAYS

Persons riding bicycles on the roadway shall ride single
file. Bicycles are entitled to a full lane of the roadway.
However, you should stay as far to the right as is
practicable, except when making a left turn or when
traveling at the same speed as a motor vehicle, such as,
when traveling downhill. Watch out for doors opening on
parked cars and pedestrians walking out from between parked cars.

METHOD OF RIDING

Anyone riding a bicycle must sit on a seat which is a
regular part of the bicycle. A bicycle is not to be ridden by more than one person unless it is a tandem bicycle intended for such use.

Don't try to carry anything which will prevent you from
keeping both hands on the handlebars.

LIGHTS AND REFLECTORS

If you ride your bike between the hours of sunset and sunrise,
you must have a headlight. The light must be white and visible at least 500 feet from the front of your bicycle. The rear of your bike should have a light or reflective surface visible from at least 300 feet. It is a good idea to wear light-colored or reflective clothing when riding at night.

PARKING

Don't park your bike where it will obstruct pedestrian or motor
vehicle travel. There are bike racks conveniently located
throughout downtown Iowa City, the University of Iowa, at
all the schools, and at many businesses outside of downtown.
If you are within 300 feet of a bike rack, you must park at
that rack. Bicycles parked on public property in a commercial
district shall not be attached to poles, parking meters, signs,
trees, trash receptacles, street hardware, or any permanent
structure. Always attempt to lock the frame and both wheels of
your bike to the bike rack. If your bike is illegally parked
or left in a place where it is obstructing traffic or creating
a hazard, it is subject to being impounded by the police.

AVOIDING THEFT

Thieves often avoid things with identifying marks. The following
two methods are recommended:

Register your bike with the Iowa City Police Department
and keep a record of that registration.

Engrave your bike with your Iowa Driver's license number
or the license number of the head of your household.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BIKE IS STOLEN

If your bike is stolen on the University of Iowa property,
contact University Department of Public Safety at (319) 335-5022.
If your bike is stolen anywhere else in Iowa City, contact
the Iowa City Police Department at (319) 356-5275. Give a detailed
description of the bike including the above numbers. They can be the best assurance that your bike will be returned to you if it is found.

If you should see someone riding your bike after it has been
stolen, get a description of the person and the location.
Then call the police. Do not try to recover the bicycle
yourself.

SAFETY TIPS

Always Wear A Helmet. They are light weight,
relatively inexpensive and could save your life!

Use Front and Rear Lights During Night Riding. It
not only helps you to see, but helps motorists see you!

Do Follow Traffic Rules. Running a stop sign on a
bicycle is subject to the same fines as a motor vehicle!

Be Alert. Bicyclists can visually see vehicles
before the vehicle can see you!